Castlewellan sink RGU in Division 2 showdown

11 April 2011

Castlewellan 0-6
Downpatrick 0-5
ACFL DIVISION 2 FINAL

CASTLEWELLAN were crowned Division 2 champions at a stormy St. Patrick's Park, Newcastle, on Friday night.
In a low scoring game, Castlewellan survived a frantic last few minutes to secure the title, but it all could have been so different for the RGU had they been able to field a full team.
For a variety of reasons, the RGU fielded a depleted side with five of the team missing from the 15 that beat Liatroim in an epic encounter last time out.
Castlewellan, playing with strong breeze in their backs, opened with points from Donal McKibben and Fintan McGreevy. Downpatrick, who were playing their part in an exciting game, hit back with points from Kevin Gracey and young Daniel McCarron.
Castlewellan had numerous chances to go well clear, but they found goalkeeper James Deeny in unbeatable form. The RGU then missed three scoreable frees and were made to pay when McGreevy and Aidy Burns lofted over points for Castlewellan in the dying stages to give their side a 0-4 to 0-2 lead at the break, but would it be enough as Downpatrick had wind advantage in the second half?
Everyone thought that the RGU would assume control at the start of the second half, but it was Castlewellan who dominated and points from McGreevy and Matthew Stratton gave them a 0-6 to 0-2 lead.
RGU were in trouble, but they were inspired by a superb run and point from Damian Braniff. It should have got even better for Downpatrick when a cross from Jarlath Branagan just evaded the clutches of Braniff with the goal at his mercy.
Downpatrick replaced the industrious John Polly with Andrew Telford at this stage of the game and he frightened the life out of Castlewellan with his ability to run at defenders.
Peter Turley was moved into full forward in a last throw of the dice and he also troubled the overworked Castlewellan defence, picking up two frees in the process that were converted by Branagan.
There was now only a point in it with only two minutes remaining, but Castlewellan held on for victory, leaving Downpatrick wondering what might have been.
Downpatrick: J. Deeny, Declan Turley, Damian Turley, J. Polly, G. Collins, P. Turley, L. Kearney, K. Gracey (0-1), G. Brannigan, C. MacNabb, P. Telford, D. Braniff (0-1), E. Boyle, J. Branagan (0-2), D. McCarron (0-1). Subs: A. Telford for Polly.
Castlewellan: M. Cunningham , C. Corrigan, B. Travers, C. Brogan, L. McKibben, D. Morgan, D. McGreevy, F. McGreevy (0-3), K. Duffin, C. Flanagan, C. Crilly, M. Stratton (0-1), C. Og Crilly, A. Burns (0-1), D. McKibben (0-1).

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder